Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced today that restricted free agent defenseman Mattias Ekholm has signed a six-year, $22.5 million contract that carries an average annual value of $3.75 million.

Ekholm, 25, has a goal and two assists in seven games in 2015-16, giving him 30 points (9g-21a) and 66 penalty minutes in 152 career games since the 2011-12 season. 

Nashville's seventh choice, 102nd overall (fourth round), in the 2009 Entry Draft, Ekholm has represented Sweden in the past two World Championships, helping the Tre Kronor to a bronze medal in 2014, being named one of the nation’s three best players after tying for second (with Predators teammate Roman Josi) among tournament defensemen in points (2g-5a-7pts), while leading all Swedish skaters in average ice time.